1000+ images about pelargonium on Pinterest | Geraniums, Red geraniums and Washington Geranium Black Velvet Salmon Hybrid in The Big Seed Book from Park Seed on shop.CatalogSpree.com, my personal digital mall. See More Create Stunning Hanging Baskets Create Stunning Hanging Baskets Use these easy plant-by-numbers recipes to put together the most beautiful hanging baskets in your neighborhood. By Kelly Roberson Facebook Pinterest Pick Drought-Resistant Plants Create a virtually no-care container with succulents. We've found the biggest challenge of growing beautiful hanging baskets is keeping them from drying out. You can make maintenance a breeze with a planting of drought-tolerant hens and chicks, echeveria, sedum, or other succulents. They're an unusual choice, but require next to no watering, even in hot, sunny situations. A. Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) -- 1 2 of 29 Video: Design Tips for Hanging Baskets Watch this quick video for more ideas to create stellar hanging baskets.

3 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Create a Contrast Even though they're old-fashioned, geraniums are still a top pick for hot, sunny spots -- and they mix well with just about everything. (No wonder they're tried-and-true favorites.) This red geranium is dressed up with a flowing skirt of draping ivy and blue lobelia and a top hat of a simple dracaena for a classic look. A. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Designer Cherry') -- 1 B. Dracaena marginata -- 1 C. Lobelia 'Waterfall Blue' -- 4 D. Ivy (Hedera helix) -- 3 4 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Make a Statement with Bold Colors It's tough to pick which is brighter -- the hot pink or the bold gold. Either way, they're great colors to catch the eye from a block away. Up close, the mix of bloom sizes creates visual interest on a more subtle level. Tip: If your home is set back on your lot, choose bright colors to create more impact from the street. A. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Designer Cherry') -- 1 B.

Swan river daisy (Brachyscome iberidifolia 'Mini Yellow') -- 1 C. Nirembergia 'Purple Robe' -- 3 D. Marigold (Tagetes 'Lemon Gem') -- 3 E. Petunia 'Supercascade Rose' -- 1 5 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Use Soft Textures Plants with small foliage and flowers create a fine texture that adds a touch of subtlety to your landscape. We love this simple but effective combination -- it's like a touch of snow in summer. This basket is best in full sun. A. Swan River daisy (Brachyscome iberidifolia) -- 3 B. Bacopa (Sutera 'Snowstorm') -- 3 C. Asparagus fern (Asparagus sprengeri) -- 1 6 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Choose a Classic A lot of the baskets we've shown you rely on a bunch of different plants for creating contrasts in color or texture. But you can create equally good looks without going overboard. If plant choices feel overwhelming, choose a classic such as shade-loving impatiens and fill a hanging basket with their delicate-looking blooms all summer long.

A. Impatiens 'Victorian Lilac' -- 3 B. Impatiens 'Xtreme Pink' -- 3 7 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Pick Plants with Bright Foliage Purple leaves are all the rage these days, but they don't work out so well in the shade because their dark color tends to fade away. Happily, golden and chartreuse foliage are also red-hot among gardeners -- and they're an excellent choice for adding color and excitement to a shady spot. A. Fuchsia magellanica 'Variegata' -- 1 B. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Margarita') -- 1 8 of 29 B. Torenia 'Catalina Blue' -- 2 C. Impatiens 'Accent' series -- 5 D. Wax begonia (Begonia 'Prelude Red') -- 2 9 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Try a Patriotic Theme Bold and bright -- what's not to enjoy about a red, white, and blue combo? Use lush, trailing plants like these to overflow a traditional hanging basket and eventually cover it with a skirt of eye-catching color . This basket grows best in full sun.

A. Calibrachoa 'Cabaret Purple' -- 2 B. Verbena 'Aztec Cherry Red' -- 1 C. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum 'Bells White') -- 2 10 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Keep It Bold, but Simple You can't beat calibrachoa (also called million bells) for its incredible flower power. Filling a basket with waves of color from just one variety like this is a great way to create a stunning hanging basket without the work of having to pick plants that look good together. Because calibrachoa blooms in just about every shade, you can find one that's the perfect complement for your yard. A. Calibrachoa 'Cabaret Rose' -- 4 11 of 29 B. New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens 'Sonic White') -- 1 C. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Trailing Plum') -- 1 16 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Let Your Houseplants Spend a Summer Outdoors Here's a tip for saving money when creating hanging baskets: Use what you have. Many houseplants grow well outdoors in a shaded spot.

Rex begonias, for example, play off each other to great effect. In fall , bring them back indoors to enjoy them for the winter season. A. Begonia 'Black Fang' -- 1 B. Begonia 'Chocolate Cream' -- 1 17 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Use Full, Double Flowers You can't go wrong decorating a shaded spot with the full flowers of tuberous begonia and double impatiens. Their rose-like blooms appear all summer long and make a hanging basket feel richer and more complicated than it really is. We love simple, effective combinations like this! Tip: Look for double impatiens in a wide range of shades, from white to pink to red and even bicolors. A. Impatiens 'Fiesta Rose' -- 2 B. Tuberous begonia (Begonia 'Nonstop Yellow') -- 1 C. Bacopa (Sutera 'Abunda Blue') -- 3 18 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Create Elegance With their gorgeous shape and graceful hanging blooms, it's no wonder fuchsias are favorites for cool, shady spots. They're unmatched for their elegance.

Fuchsias offer a great bonus, too: Hummingbirds love them. A. Fuchsia 'Diva Bridal Pink' -- 3 19 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Change Through the Seasons Your baskets don't have to be the same from spring to fall . Keep your display looking great by choosing cool-season plants for spring, such as these violas, then heat-lovers for summer. When temperatures drop in fall, replace your spent summer plants with more cool-season beauties. Tip: Cool-season plants will usually stay looking good longer in summer if you grow them in a shaded spot. A. Viola 'Cutie Pie' -- 10 20 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Pick Your Favorite Color Let your hanging baskets reflect your personality by filling them with your favorite color . Here's a fun pick for pink lovers: Shades of fuchsia brighten up this shady spot all summer long. A. Tuberous begonia (Begonia Nonstop Pink) -- 1 B. Impatiens 'Fanfare Fuchsia' -- 2 C. Impatiens 'Dazzler White' -- 3 D.

Sweet alyssum (Lobularia 'Snow Crystals') -- 4 21 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Create Interest with Rich Colors You can't go wrong with any of the petunias in the Wave series for tons of flower power on an easy-growing plant for the sun. We're enamored with the rich, deep color of 'Easy Wave Blue' -- it's a showstopper by itself or combined with softer, lighter colors for a bit of contrast. A. Petunia Easy Wave Blue -- 1 B. Calibrachoa 'Cabaret White' -- 2 C. Diascia 'Salmon Supreme' -- 2 22 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Have Fun with Neat Plants A lavender-blue streptocarpella (an African violet relative, actually) is intriguing enough that your guests won't be able to resist taking a closer look. This nonstop bloomer is a perfect companion for anything orange or yellow -- such as the glowing orange osteospermum here. Tip: Streptocarpella is a cinch to propagate. Just pinch off new growth tips and pot them up in a little potting soil. They'll root in a couple of weeks. A.

Streptocarpella 'Concord Blue' -- 2 B. Bacopa (Sutera 'Snowstorm') -- 2 C. Osteospermum 'Orange Symphony' -- 2 23 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Create a Mound of Color See the difference accent colors make? This container uses some of the same plants as the last one, but the warm, glowing shades create a completely different look. This exciting combo is well suited to a spot where you entertain (like a deck or patio) because of its energizing colors. A. Petunia 'Supertunia Priscilla' -- 2 B. Verbena 'Aztec Silver Magic' -- 2 C. Calibrachoa 'Starlette Yellow' -- 2 D. Diascia 'Diamonte Apricot' -- 2 24 of 29 C. Verbena 'Patio Hot Pink' -- 2 26 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Try Contrasting Colors Here's another great example of how you can use contrasting colors to add an eye-catching display to your garden. Orange and purple are a no-fail mix that will leave your friends complimenting your color-combining skills. A.

Osteospermum 'Symphony Orange' -- 2 B. Licorice vine (Helichrysum petiolare) -- 2 C. Bacopa (Sutera 'Abunda Blue') -- 2 D. Verbena 'Aztec Grape Magic' 27 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Select Super Bloomers Lights. Camera. Action! Super bloomers like sun-loving verbena and calibrachoa are ready to start putting on a show as soon as you plant them. They're dependable performers and will keep up their starring role in your landscape all summer long. A. Calibrachoa 'Cabaret Purple' -- 2 B. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum 'Luminaire Yellow') -- 2 C. Verbena 'Aztec Cherry Red' -- 2 28 of 29 Facebook Pinterest Try Several Shades of One Color Create drama in your landscape with a container that mixes several shades of your favorite color. Here, hues of pink fill out and trail down the sides of this hanging basket. We love the inclusion of the coleus; its deeply colored foliage adds beautiful depth to the planting. Grow this beautiful basket in a spot with full sun. A.

Coleus (Solenostemon 'Trailing Rose') -- 2 B. Calibrachoa 'Cabaret Light Pink' -- 2 C. Verbena 'Wildfire Rose' -- 2 29 of 29 Geraniums To Brighten Winter Landscapes, Think Geraniums By Val Whitmyre, U. C. Master Gardener Geraniums fit beautifully into Napa Valleyâs Mediterranean climate. They bloom continually from early April through October. My own bright-red geraniums are stillblooming in mid January, growing in pots on my window ledges. Geraniums withstand most climate changes here except a hard freeze, but they prefer warm, sunny spots in the garden. Easy to grow with beautiful results, they are good plants for the beginning gardener. Actually, the plant most people know as geranium is in fact pelargonium. True geraniums, also called cranesbills, are hardy natives of the Northern Hemisphere and are grown in rock gardens or perennial borders. Some are weeds, while others have outstanding flowers in shades of rose, blue and purple. Sunset named Geranium âJohnsonâs Blueâ and G.

âWargrave Pinkâ as two of the best new plants in 1996. Five overlapping petals identify the flowers in this family. Pelargonium, also known as the floristâs geranium, is native to South Africa. Pelargoniums include three main species, including my favorite, the common bright-red potted geraniums (Pelargonium hortorum), the Martha Washington pelargoniums (P. domesticum) and ivy geraniums (P. peltatum). The many scented geraniums are also in the pelargonium family. Common geraniums recall southern Spain, Italy and other Mediterranean countries where pots of bright blooms in wrought-iron containers adorn many buildings. The flowers are usually solid red, white, pink, orange or violet with soft velvety leaves, while the Martha Washington blossoms have blotches of deep color. Widely planted and undemanding, pelargoniums are easily multiplied from tip cuttings after winter frost. The stems are succulent and adapt easily to root growth. Simply cut a four- to six-inch tip with several leaves and put it into a glass of water near a sunlit window.

Remove any blossoms so that all the plantâs energy is focused on root growth. In no time, roots will sprout. Children would be delighted with the fast growth of these cuttings. The stem could also go directly into pots of soil with good drainage. Keep the plant in the pot until it shows signs of crowded roots and then transfer to the next largest pot. Martha Washington pelargoniums reach three feet in the garden and tend to become rangy. For that reason, I prefer growing them in pots. In my garden, plants growing in pots on stands or ledges get more attention than those planted in the ground. I can spot the pesky tobacco budworm faster, and itâs easier to keep the plant and soil clean. The tobacco budworm is the same worm that eats petunia buds from the inside out, so itâs imperative to find and destroy it before it damages all the blossoms. Removing fadedflowers promotes more blossoms. There are many varieties of the ivy geranium, producing single and double blooms in pink, rose, red or lavender. These are reliable trailing plants for hanging baskets or in a raised landscape.

The leaves of scented geraniums are far more fascinating than the insignificant flowers. Rose-scented geranium leaves are more heavily scented than most fragrant roses. The chocolate mint geranium has a chocolate-colored leaf bordered in bright green. The common names of these geraniums accurately reflect the leavesâ scent. The leaves may have zones of red, white, gold, brown and green bordered in different colors. They may be used in sachets, as flavorings in sauces and jellies, or in aromatherapy. The lime-scented geranium (P. crispum) would make a nice accent plant in a bonsai display. Cuttings of scented plants make nice gifts for friends and neighbors.

Move your geranium pots to entries or windowsills to brighten dreary winter days or to surprise a guest with the scent of your favorite ârose.â 1000+ images about Pelargonium on Pinterest | Geraniums, Email web and Hardy geranium Fresh, white cottage dining room - red and white transferware plates and pink geraniums add just the right touch of colour; Chic See More Scented geranium Scented geranium Pelargonium With fragrances of fruits, flowers, spices, and even chocolate, scented geraniums delight the senses. The plant's tactile leaves -- some fuzzy, some smooth -- come in a wide range of shapes and hues. They have been favorites of herb and indoor gardeners since Victorian times. They are hardy in Zones 10-11 and warmer parts of Zone 9 but can be grown as annuals or houseplants in colder regions. Most scented geranium flowers are smaller and less showy than annual bedding geraniums, but they can create an attractive bonus to the fragrant foliage. Plants grow up to 3 feet tall and wide. Oops, we're sorry. Something went wrong. Please try again later.

Oops, we're sorry. Something went wrong. Please try again later. Share your take on this idea! Upload your photo here. how to grow scented geranium Propagation more varieties for scented geranium Angel Eyes Light scented geranium Pelargonium Angel Eyes Light is a bushy trailing plant that grows 10-15 inches tall and wide. It bears profuse bicolor flowers in shades of pink. The flower color is deeper pink during cool seasons, fading to lighter pink in summer. Zones 9-11 Apricot-scented geranium Pelargonium scabrum is a shrubby plant with hairy lobed leaves that have a sweet, fruity scent. It bears pink to white flowers from early spring to summer and grows 12-24 inches tall and wide. Zones 9–11 'Chocolate Mint' scented geranium Pelargonium tomentosum 'Chocolate Mint' is named for the maroon splotches along leaf veins rather than the scent of the plant, which is minty, not chocolaty. As leaves mature, the brownish coloration fades. The plant develops pale lavender flowers and grows 1-3 feet tall and wide.

Zones 9-11 Coconut-scented geranium Pelargonium grossularioides is also known as gooseberry geranium or gooseberry-leaved scented geranium for the shape of its scalloped leaves. The plant grows as a spreading groundcover, reaching 6-12 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. In California it has escaped cultivation to become a weed. Zones 9-11 Fernleaf scented geranium Pelargonium denticulatum 'Filicifolium' is known by several common names, including fernleaf, toothleaf, and pine-scented geranium. It has finely divided leaves with toothed edges and a strong piney fragrance. Small pinkish-purple flowers develop above the lacy foliage. It grows 18-36 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide. Zones 9-11 'French Lace' scented geranium Pelargonium crispum 'French Lace' is an upright sport of 'Prince Rupert' scented geranium. The pale pink flowers stand out against the plant's deeply lobed leaves, which have a strong lemon scent and variegated creamy yellow margins.

The plant grows 12-18 inches tall and wide. Zones 9-11 Lemon-scented geranium Pelargonium crispum is also known as 'French Lace' geranium because its leaves have wavy margins and are closely stacked on the stems, giving the plant a frilly appearance. The foliage has a strong lemon fragrance. Pale pink flowers appear sporadically. The plant grows 12-36 inches tall and 6-15 inches wide. Zones 9-11 'Mabel Grey' lemon-scented geranium Pelargonium citronellum 'Mabel Grey' is often considered the best of the lemon-scented geraniums. It has sharply lobed hairy leaves and bears pink flowers with darker reddish-purple veins. It can grow up to 4 feet tall, making it a good choice for topiary standards. Zones 9-11 'Mini Karmine' scented geranium Pelargonium 'Mini Karmine' looks its best in hanging baskets or window boxes, where you can enjoy the plant as it trails over the edges. It features bright magenta flowers and finely cut foliage.

Zones 9-11 'Old Spice' scented geranium Pelargonium fragrans 'Old Spice' is a selection of nutmeg-scented geranium. It has gray-green rounded and lobed leaves with a spicy aroma. Another common name is sweet-leaved geranium. The plant grows 12-18 inches tall and wide, and bears small white flowers. Zones 9-11 Peppermint-scented geranium Pelargonium tomentosum is a spreading subshrub with fuzzy silvery-gray leaves. True to its name, the plant emits a strong minty aroma. It bears tiny white flowers with purple splashes in the throat. It grows 1-2 feet tall and spreads up to 4 feet wide. Other names include peppermint geranium and pennyroyal geranium. Zones 9-11 Rose-scented geranium Pelargonium graveolens is also called velvet rose and sweet-scented geranium. The deeply lobed hairy leaves have a strong scent of roses. They are sometimes used for commercial production of geranium oil, a substitute for attar of roses in perfume production. Flowers are small and pinkish-white.

Plants may grow 1-3 feet tall and wide. Zones 9-11 'Snowflake' scented geranium Pelargonium capitatum 'Snowflake' has rounded leaves flecked with white. The scent is a combination of citrus and rose, and the plant is sometimes listed as a rose-scented geranium. Plants grow 12-18 inches tall and wide. Zones 9-11 'Snowy Nutmeg' scented geranium Pelargonium fragrans 'Snowy Nutmeg' has rounded gray-green foliage with irregular splashes of creamy white. The foliage has a strong spicy fragrance reminiscent of nutmeg. Flowers are white. 'Snowy Nutmeg' scented geranium grows 12-18 inches tall and wide. Zones 9-11 Spanish lavender-scented geranium Pelargonium cucullatum is a shrubby plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall in the wild, but in cultivation it is more likely to grow 12-24 inches tall and wide. It is also known as hooded-leaf geranium because its hairy leaves are cupped upward, resembling a hooded cloak.

It is one of the parents of regal geraniums and, like the regal types, requires cool nights for its pinkish-purple flowers to develop. Zones 9-11 'Sweet Mimosa' rose-scented geranium Pelargonium graveolens 'Sweet Mimosa' is also known as 'Sweet Miriam' rose-scented geranium. The plant has deeply lobed hairy leaves with a sweet, rosy fragrance. Flowers are pink. It grows 12-36 inches tall and wide. Zones 9-11 Growing herbs in containers? Use these tips and ideas Recommended Geraniums | eHow Recommended Geraniums Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images Colorful geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) spice up flower beds, window boxes, containers and hanging baskets throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 11. With 280 known species and hundreds of varieties in shades of red, pink, white and orange, geraniums thrive in containers and flower gardens. In USDA zones 10 and 11, plants can live outdoors all year. Many geranium species feature scented leaves and small, variously shaped flowers.

Choosing plants for decorating, gift-giving, craft-making or landscaping depends on the colors and varieties you prefer. Common Geranium Common geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum), also called zonal geraniums, are available in most garden stores and are suitable for containers, hanging baskets, window boxes or planting directly into the ground. Varieties have bands – zones -- of darker leaf pigments, multicolored leaves or green foliage edged in silver or white. Common geranium flowers consist of single or double floret clusters, about 3 to 6 inches wide. You can mix shades of pinks, reds, whites and corals to create colorful flower beds or planters. Ivy-Leaved Geraniums Suitable for window boxes, bookshelf containers and hanging planters, ivy-leaved geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum) are vine-like plants with shiny, leathery leaves and small-petal flower clusters. The plant grows up to 3 feet long. Ivy-leaved geraniums in shades of lilac, pink and red prefer northern light exposure, morning sun and afternoon shade when the thermometer reaches 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ivy-leaved geraniums thrive in well-draining potting media that stays moist but not overly wet. Scented Varieties Some geranium varieties do not have bright flowers but instead feature spicy, herbal, aromatic leaves that are used for making teas, sachets, potpourri, preserves, punches and sweets, notes Clemson University Extension. For example, rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), sprouts deep green, hairy leaves that smell like roses. Lemon geranium (Pelargonium crispum) can grow up to 2 feet tall. Plants have small pink flowers and curly leaves that emit a lemon-like fragrance. Both varieties are grown outdoors in USDA zones 10 and 11. Other Pelargonium geranium varieties smell like peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, orange and apple and are sometimes used as cooking herbs. Indoor Geraniums Perennial “Martha Washington” geraniums (Pelargonium domesticum) -- also called “Lady Washington” or “Regal” -- feature bright, hot colors in reds, yellows, pinks, purples and corals.

Although grown outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10 and 11 and as annuals in zones 3 to 10, “Martha Washingtons” are better suited as indoor plants. They do not tolerate extreme hot or cold weather and must have nighttime temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees F to bloom, advises University of Minnesota Extension. Florists and garden stores often feature “Martha Washingtons” as indoor flowering container plants. Planting Whether planting in outdoor containers or directly into flower beds, soil temperature should be about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not plant geraniums and other flowers until after the danger of frost as passed. Geraniums prefer direct sun -- about eight hours daily -- to bring steady flowering. Geraniums grow well in soil with pH of 6.5; you can add lime if the number is below 5.5. Adding organic matter such as leaf mold, ground bark, perlite or peat moss to well-draining soil provides nutrients to plant roots. Fertilizing with a 5-10-15 or 6-12-12 NPK chemical mix helps plants grow, but overfeeding them may stunt flower growth.

Water garden geraniums as needed but do not let roots sit in puddles. Removing faded flowers and dead leaves helps protect geranium plants from fungal diseases. How to buy and care for geraniums | Oregon State University Extension Service | Gardening How to buy and care for geraniums Last Updated: August 31, 2005 CORVALLIS - The fleshy, tender perennial geraniums that grace summer porches are members of the geranium family in the genus “Pelargonium.” The smaller, wild hardy geraniums common to North America and Europe are in the genus “Geranium.” Ever-popular Pelargoniums are native to South Africa. Several varieties have made their way into the nursery trade, including the familiar, flashy varieties, the scented geraniums and in the last few years, geraniums with colorful leaves. Major groups of common Pelargonium geraniums include: Common garden geraniums, also called “zonal” geraniums - Sold as bedding plants, they are compact in habit and often have fancy leaves marked by distinct bands - or zones - of darker pigments, tri-colored leaves or leaves with silver or white markings.

Flowers may be single or double, are clustered into heads, and may range from red, pink, salmon and white. Lady, regal or Martha Washington geraniums – We are lucky here in the Pacific Northwest that these beautiful large flowered types thrive here. They require cool (50 to 60 degree) night temperatures in order to bloom. They don’t do well in climates where evenings are warm, such as the Midwest. Ivy-Leaved geraniums – These have vine like growth and smooth, leathery leaves and flowers with narrower petals. They are popular in Europe, often planted in window boxes. These look good in hanging baskets. Scented-leaf geraniums – Plants have a wide range of leaf shapes and are used for making potpourris, sachets and tea flavorings. They make excellent houseplants, and many have soft, finely textured foliage and small flowers. Scents include rose, lemon, nutmeg, apple and peppermint.

When shopping for any of these types of tender geraniums, Oregon State University Extension Service experts recommend that you look for healthy leaves, with no discolored spots above or underneath; fairly compact growth with no straggly stems that indicate it was grown in poor light; and no obvious pests. Geraniums need at least six hours of full sun each day for best growth and flowering. Protect from freezing temperatures. In the hottest part of the summer, they do better in afternoon shade. Out in the garden, space plants eight to 12 inches apart in rich garden soil. Fertilize every two weeks, and water when soil feels dry to a depth of 2 inches. Remove old flowers to keep plants looking fresh. They also perform well in containers on decks, patios, porches, and along walks. If you don’t have a garden site in full sun, you can still enjoy the plants. You’ll just have to move your potted plants around occasionally to get the benefit of whatever sun you do have. Select a container that has drainage holes in the bottom or sides. Plant them in an ultra light weight potting mix, with plenty of peat and vermiculite so you’ll have an easy time changing the positions of containers.

Geraniums need good drainage. Avoid using a saucer under the container. Allow water to fully drain from the pot. Geraniums can be trained into standards, or tree forms, if you like. Ivy geraniums with their cascading habit are naturals for hanging containers. With relatively few pests, geraniums can fall prey to a few diseases, such as Botrytis, a fungus that occurs when days are warm but nights are cool enough to create dew. Diseased blossoms will look moldy, turning brown and mushy. It spreads quickly, so remove and discard affected blooms or plants. Look out for geranium budworm, a tiny caterpillar that destroys the bud from within. The best treatment is to handpick the eggs and worms. Check for budworms daily. There are several ways to over winter or keep your geraniums. Either take cuttings in the fall and keep the small, potted plants on a windowsill with a bright, sunny southern exposure during the winter. Or, dig them from the garden before the first frost and plant them in pots large enough to accommodate the roots. Cut the plant back to 6 inches tall, and place in a sunny area such as a heated porch.

An old-fashioned method of over wintering geraniums is to dig the plants before the first frost, knock the soil from their roots, and hang the plants upside down in a cool, moist basement with 80 percent humidity and temperatures between 35 to 45 degrees. If plants begin to dry out, soak the roots in water a few times each winter. In spring, take the plants down, cut off half to three-fourths of the top growth, and replant outdoors. If your geraniums are diseased or are infested with pests, it is best to trash them and start over with new, healthy starts next year. Author: Carol Savonen 1000+ images about Pelargonium on Pinterest | Gardens, Apple blossoms and Window view Fresh, white cottage dining room - red and white transferware plates and pink geraniums add just the right touch of colour; Chic See more What Are the Different Kinds of Geraniums? | Home Guides | SF Gate What Are the Different Kinds of Geraniums? What Are the Different Kinds of Geraniums? Caring for geraniums is simple whether they're in the ground or containers.

Native to South Africa, the geranium (Pelargonium spp.) has spread far and wide because of its brightly colored flowers and utility in the garden. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, geraniums prefer full sunlight and fast-draining soil. The four main kinds of geraniums all grow well in containers in any U.S. Department of Agriculture zone during warm weather. Zonal Zonal geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum), also called common and garden geraniums, receive their name from the colored bands, dubbed zones, present on their leaves. Zonal geraniums include hundreds of varieties, each producing single or double blooms in ball-shaped clusters throughout the growing season. Flower colors include orange, red, salmon, pink, white and lavender, and a single plant produces multiple balls at one time. Zonal geraniums grow in a rounded, upright shape and work well in planters, borders, mixed flowerbeds and containers. Some varieties of zonal geraniums produce lacy leaves, or leaves with white margins or variegated patterns.

Martha Washington Martha Washington geraniums (Pelargonium domesticum) produce the largest flowers of all the geranium types. The bi-color flowers have dark-colored centers that fade to a second color, usually white. Color combinations include violet and lavender, pink and white, magenta and pink, and crimson and red. Martha Washington geraniums prefer cold weather, and their blooms appear in spring and late summer when nighttime temperatures remain consistently below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Sometimes called Regal and Lady Washington geraniums, they have a bushlike form and grow best in pots indoors. Ivy-Leaf Best-suited for hanging baskets, planters and window boxes, where their trailing stems make the most impact, the ivy-leaf geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum) produce thick, glossy leaves reminiscent of ivy leaves. Because of their thin foliage and flowers, grouping three or more ivy-leaf geraniums is required for full plantings. Their bloom colors include reds, pinks and purples, and the flowers appear throughout the summer months. Unlike the other kinds of geraniums, ivy-leaf geraniums require constantly moist soil and filtered shade when temperatures rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Scented-Leaf Grown mostly for their fragrant foliage, scented-leaf geraniums (Pelargonium domesticum) produce the smallest flowers of all the geraniums. These are heirloom geraniums, meaning they have changed little over time. Depending upon the specific variety, the leaves may have the scent of mint, roses, chocolate, various spices, lemon and other citrus. The leaf shapes of these plants vary as much as their fragrance, and the leaves may be lacy, serrated, rounded or crinkly. Scented-leaf geraniums work well in containers, planters and in a garden near a patio, porch or deck where their eye-catching textures and striking fragrances provide enjoyment. Greenhouse Gardener's Companion, Revised: Growing Food & Flowers in Your Greenhouse or Sunspace; Shane Smith Photo Credits Geranium Care Tips - Growing Zonal Geraniums in Containers Geranium Care Tips Botanical Name: Pelargonium x hortorum Easy geranium care and big, colorful clusters of showy blooms make these Pelargoniums favorite flowering plants for containers.

Whether you're growing geraniums indoors -- or outdoors on your sunny porch or patio -- Pelargonium hybrids can't be beat for spectacular vigor and bloom. All summer, you can expect several flowerheads held on succulent stems to cover the plant. The blooms may be single, semidouble or double, and are available in many shades of pink, salmon, red, purple or white. Caring for Geraniums Year-Round Let the sun shine. Plants that don't bloom aren't getting enough light. Give your geranium as much light as you can spring through fall, including direct sun. If you're growing geraniums indoors, put the plant in a sunny window. Deadhead geranium flowers. Remove spent flowers to keep your plant looking neat and to promote more blooms. Pinch and prune. Pruning geraniums will force new growth, bringing you more flowers. Use sharp pruners and cut at a 45° angle to avoid tearing the stems, which can attract disease. Cut stems back hard in spring to keep the plant compact. Pinching off the growing tips will encourage branching. Repot in spring. Geraniums bloom best if slightly pot-bound.

Move your plant to a pot 1 size larger or keep it in the same pot and just give it fresh soil. Winterizing geraniums. Saving geraniums from year to year requires a cool winter rest. These are tender perennials that won't survive the frost. You can overwinter geraniums in a cool basement or garage with a minimum temperature of 50°F/10°C. During this rest, water sparingly, but don't allow soil to dry out completely. Allow the foliage to die back, then cut the stems back hard in spring. With good geranium care, your plant will flower year after year. Geranium propagation from stem cuttings that root readily or from seeds, can easily grow your collection of these gorgeous flowering plants. Geranium Care Tips Height: 1-3 ft (30-90 cm) Light: Bright light to full sun Water: Water thoroughly, then allow the top 1 in (2.5 cm) to dry out before watering again. Cut back on watering in winter, but don't allow the roots to dry out completely. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil, which can cause root rot. Humidity: Average room humidity.

Temperature: Cool nights (55-60°F/13-16°C) and warm days (65-75°F/18-24°C) will trigger flower buds. Soil: Peat moss-based soilless mix. Fertilizer: Feed in spring and summer with a high-phosphorus fertilizer to promote blooming. Propagation: Take stem cuttings in spring and early summer and root in fresh potting mix. Geranium seed is easy to grow, too. Sow seeds in early spring.

Question: Which hanging basket favourite is also called 'Pelargonium'?
Answer: GERANIUM